Method and apparatus for high temperature dyeing

ABSTRACT

A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DYEING WHEREIN A SINGLE PRESSURE VESSEL IS UTILIZED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A PLURALITY OF DYE BATH MEANS. THE PRESSURE VESSEL IS MOVEABLY SUPPORTED SO AS TO BE DISPOSED OPPOSITE A DYE BATH MEANS ADAPTED TO BE INSERTED THEREINTO. A PRESSURE VESSEL CLOSURE FOR EFFECTING THE SEALING OF THE DYE BATH WITHIN THE PRESSURE VESSEL IS SUPPORTED FOR MOVEMENT BETWEEN AN OPERATIVE AND INOPERATIVE POSITION. IN OPERATION ONE OF THE DYE BATH MEANS IS BEING OPERATED UPON WITHIN THE PRESSURE VESSEL TO AFFECT A DYEING OPERATION, WHILE ANOTHER DYE BATH MEANS IS BEING PREPARED FOR INSERTION. UPON COMPLETION OF THE DYEING OPERATION THE DYE BATH MEANS WITHIN THE PRESSURE VESSEL IS REMOVED AND THE PRESSURE VESSEL IS MOVED LATERALLY OPPOSITE THE OTHER DYE BATH MEANS IN POSITION TO RECEIVE THE SAME TO REPEAT THE DYEING OPERATION.

April 13,1971 K. R. DENNICK 3,574,525

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE DYEING Filed Nov. 12, 1968 I 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 13, 1971 K. R. DENNICK 3,574,

- METHOD AND AIVPARATUS FOR HIGH TEMPERA RE DYEING Filed Nov. 12, 1968 I 3 Sheets-Shet a FIG. 4

i in ull v FIG 3 United States Patent Filed Nov. 12, 1968, Ser. No. 774,905 Int. Cl. D06p 7/00 US. Cl. 8147 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method and apparatus for high temperature dyeing wherein a single pressure vessel is utilized in conjunction with a plurality of dye bath means. The pressure vessel is moveably supported so as to be disposed opposite a dye bath means adapted to be inserted thereinto. A pressure vessel closure for effecting the sealing of the dye bath within the pressure vessel is supported for movement between an operative and inoperative position. In operation one of the dye bath means is being operated upon within the pressure vessel to affect a dyeing operation, while another dye bath means is being prepared for insertion. Upon completion of the dyeing operation the dye bath means within the pressure vessel is removed and the pressure vessel is moved laterally opposite the other dye bath means in position to receive the same to repeat the dyeing operation.

PROBLEM AND PRIOR ART Heretofore high temperature dyeing was accomplished by first loading a dye bath means with a quantity of dye solution and a supply of material to be dyed, and thereafter transporting the dye bath means so loaded into position within a fixed pressure vessel wherein the dyeing of the material was achieved under conditions of elevated temperatures and pressures. Because of the bulk and weight of such dye bath means, particularly when loaded, it was heretofore customary to transport such dye bath means to and from a pressure vessel on a track system. As the pressure vessel comprised a relatively expensive piece of capital equipment it was found that practical economics dictated that a plurality of dye bath means be utilized in conjunction with a given pressure vessel so that as one dye bath was being operated upon within the pressure vessel, another was being loaded in preparation for subsequent introduction into the pressure vessel. Because the pressure vessel comprised a fixed piece of equipment it was heretofore necessary to provide for a relatively complicated track system including a number of track sidings and switches for satisfactorily transporting the respective dye bath means to and from the pressure vessel and to facilitate the insertion and removal of the respective dye bath means from the pressure vessel. Because of the relatively complicated trackage system heretofore required to effect the eflicient transfer of dye bath means into and out of the pressure vessel, a considerable-amount of space was essential to conduct such an operation. As a result the initial cost of such space and the maintenance or rental thereof constituted a considerable expense. Capital investment was further increased by the cost necessary to provide for the considerable trackage required for such system. Also the considerable weight of the dye bath means, particularly when loaded with the dye bath solution and material to be dyed, further resulted in a considerable loss of time in transporting such dye bath means over such extended track system to conduct the dyeing operation. Not only does the movement of such heavy dye bath means over extensive trackage constitute a time consuming operation, but in addition "ice such movements involved considerably physical hazard to the workers.

OBJECTS It is therefore an object of this invention to overcome disadvantages of prior known systems by providing a method and apparatus for high temperature dyeing in which the dyeing operation may be accomplished in a minimum space and time thereby resulting in a considerable capital saving with increased production and reduccd costs.

Another object is to provide a method and apparatus in which the distance or space heretofore required for moving or transporting dye baths to and from a pressure vessel is reduced to a minimum.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus in which a pressure vessel in which the dyeing is effected in rendered readily moveable relative to a plurality of dye bath means so as to enhance the loading and unloading of the dye bath means thereinto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing objects and other features and advantages of this invention are attained by a method and apparatus comprising essentially of locating a plurality of dye bath means at spaced apart stations at which the respective dye baths may be readily loaded with dye solution and material to be dyed under conditions of atmospheric temperatures and pressures. A pressure vessel is moveably mounted opposite the respective dye bath means so that the pressure vessel may be readily moved to a position directly opposite any one of the dye bath means to be received therein. Means are disposed between the line of dye bath means and the line of movement of the pressure vessel for supporting the pressure vessel closure for movement between operative and inoperative positions. With the open end of the pressure vessel disposed opposite a given dye bath means, the latter is mounted so that it can be readily transported in to and out of the pressure vessel with a relatively short straight line movement. The opening of the pressure vessel is readily sealed by moving the closure along an overhead rail into its operative position.

With the dye bath vessel thus sealed within the pressure vessel, the material supported on the dye bath means is then subjected to a dyeing operation under conditions of elevated temperatures within the pressure vessel in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. While the dyeing operation is thus occurring within the pressure vessel, another dye bath means is readied or prepared for subsequent insertion into the pressure vessel. Upon completion of the dying operation at elevated temperatures and pressures, the pressure vessel is opened by effecting removal of the closure, and the dye bath with the material and solution is then removed to its stand position located opposite the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is then shifted laterally to a position opposite the previously loaded dye bath, and the latter moved into the pressure vessel with a relatively short straight line movement. The pressure vessel is again sealed whereupon the dyeing operation under elevated temperatures and pressures is repeated.

A feature of this invention resides in a method and apparatus wherein the pressure vessel is moved between stations at which a dye bath means is prepared and loaded with dye solution and material.

Another feature resides in the provision of a pressure dyeing apparatus wherein a plurality of dye bath means are'utilized in conjunction with a readily moveable pressure vessel which is adapted to be laterally shifted from one position to another so as to be disposed opposite the respective dye bath means which are readily transported into and out of the pressure vessel with relative short line movements.

Another feature of this invention resides in an apparatus for effecting high pressure dyeing in which the distance required to transport a dye bath means and the material loaded thereon to and from a pressure vessel is reduced to an absolute minimum thereby resulting in a considerable saving of time and proportional reduction in cost.

'Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specification in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a high temperature dyeing apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the dyeing apparatus of FIG. 1, wherein the solid line showing illustrates the pressure vessel closure in sealed operating position and the phantom line showing illustrates the pressure vessel closure in opened position with the vessel track extended to define an extension of the platform rails;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view looking in the direction of line 3-3 of FIG. 1, having portions broken away, and with the pressure vessel closure removed from said pressure vessel and with the flanges on the pressure vessel removed for purpose of simplicity; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional side View with dye tub in the pressure vessel with the front flanges of the vessel and the complementary flanges of the vessel closure removed for purposes of simplicity.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 an apparatus comprising of a plurality of stations 11 disposed in spaced, side by side, relationship. Each station 11 comprises an elevated platform 12 on which there is supported a pair of spaced apart rails 1313 to define a short section of track equal to substantially the length of the dye bath means 14 adapted to be moveably supported on the track. As seen in FIG. 3, the platform 12 between the rails 13-13 is provided with a shallow recess or channel 15 extending longitudinally for accommodating the bottom portion of the bath means 14.

As best seen in FIG. 3 the dye bath means 14 comprises a semi-cylindrical dye tub 16 mounted on Wheels 17 arranged in rolling engagement with the respective rails 1313. A slatted reel 18, about which the fabric to be dyed is loaded, is mounted on a shaft 19 supported between spaced uprights 20 connected to the opposed end wall portions 21 of the dye tub 16. The shaft 19 in turn is operatively connected to a power source, e.g. an electric motor or the like to effect rotation of the slatted .reel 18. The dye tub 14 is also provided with suitable connections for supplying and/or controlling the flow of the dyeing solution. The dye tub 14 is loaded with fabric 22 by winding a length of fabric onto the slatted reel 18 in the endless loops in rope-like formation. The fabric loops are further threaded over an idler roller 23 mounted on a shaft or axle 24 rotatably journaled between end supports. The idler roller 23 may then be rotated by influence of the looped fabric strands being pulled thereover as the main slatted reel 18 is rotated. However, in the illustrated embodiment the idler 23 may be power driven through a flexible or chain drive mechanism 26 operatively connected in driving relationship with shaft 19. It will be understood that each station is provided with a dye tub 14, similar to that described.

Disposed opposite the line of dye tub stations there is provided a longitudinally extending section of track 27 on which a pressure vessel 28 is suitably guided. As best seen in FIG. 1 the pressure vessel 28 comprises a cylindrical body having a full open end portion which is adapted to be disposed opposite each of the respective dye bath stations 11. The pressure vessel 28 is supported on an under-carriage 29 provided with wheels 30 adapted to ride along the rails 27A of the longitudinal track 27. The arrangement is such that the pressure vessel 28 can be readily shifted along track 27 so as to be disposed opposite any one of the dye tub stations 11. While the illustrated form of the invention illustrates three such dye tub stations 11, it will be readily understood that any number of dye tub stations may be arranged in line and utilized in conjunction with a pressure vessel 28 which is moveable along the section of track.

Located within the pressure vessel are a pair of spaced rail means 31 suitably supported on the bottom of the vessel. The vessel rail means 31 are arranged to be disposed in alignment with the track section 1313 of the respective dye bath stations 11, when the pressure vessel 28 is disposed opposite thereto. When the pressure vessel 28 is thus disposed opposite a given dye tub station 11, the dye tub 16 supported thereat can then be readily rolled into the pressure vessel 28 since the pressure vessel track 31 is disposed so as to constitute an extension of the dye tub tracks 1313.

Located between the line of dye tub stations 11 and the pressure vessel track 27, there is provided an overhead monorail 32 along which the pressure vessel closure 33 is mounted for movement between an operative and inoperative position. As best seen in FIG. 2 the monorail 32 accommodating the pressure vessel closure is defined as a U-shaped rail member on which a closure carriage 34 is moveably mounted. Suspended from the carriage 34 are suitable hangers 35 for suspendingly supporting the pressure vessel closure 33 thereon.

As best seen in FIG. 2 the monorail comprises a substantially U-shaped rail wherein the opposed leg portions 32A, 32B and onto the bight portion 32C whereby the carriage 34 is moved to a position intermediate the respective adjacent dye tub stations 11.

In the event more than two dye tub stations 11 are adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a given pressure vessel, it will be understood that the monorail 32 may be provided with an extension 36 and a switch section 37 for connecting the monorail 32 to its extension 36. To effect the switching of the monorail 32 one end of the monorail is arranged to receive a switch section 37 so as to form the link or interconnection between the monorail 32 and its extension 36. Thus when the monorail switch section 37 is moved into position to connect the main monorail 32 to its extension 36 that the carriage 34 supporting the closure 33 in moving along the bight portion 32C will bypass the leg portion 32B, and continue along extension 36, in the event that the pressure vessel 28 is moved laterally on its track to a point beyond the monorail section 32. In the described setting the pressure vessel 28 is rendered freely moveable along its track 27 so that it can be disposed directly opposite any of the respective dye bath stations 11, along with its closure member 33.

In operation the dye bath tub 16 located at one of the dye bath stations 11 is arranged so that it can be readily loaded under atmospheric conditions and pressures with a supply of dyeing solution. The material to be dyed is then suitably loaded onto the slatted reels 18 and 23' in endless looped rope fashion. The pressure vessel 28 with its open end is then shifted along its track section 27 to a position opposite one of the dye bath means 14. With the open end of the pressure vessel 28 disposed opposite the dye bath station 11 on which the loaded dye bath stands, the dye bath means 14 is rolled or moved laterally along its track section 13--13 and onto the rails 31 of the pressure vessel disposed opposite the dye tub station. With the prepared dye tub 14 thus inserted into the pressure vessel, the closure carriage 34 is shifted laterally along the monorail until the closure 33 is disposed in position for sealing the pressure vessel 28. With the pressure vessel closure 33 firmly secured in sealing relationship to the open end of the pressure vessel, the dyeing operation is taking place within the pressure vessel in a manner Well known to those skilled in the art, the dye bath means at the next adjacent station 11 is being prepared and readied for subsequent insertion into the pressure vessel.

Upon completion of the dyeing operation occurring within the pressure vessel 28 and the pressure therein relieved, the pressure vessel is opened by moving the closure 33 along the monorail 32 to a position between adjacent the dye bath station 11. The dye bath means 14 disposed within the pressure vessel is then removed from the pressure vessel 28 to its original standing position on the rails 13--13 of its respective dye bath platform or station 11. Because of the relative short distance required to be traversed by the dye bath means on inserting or removing the dye bath means from the pressure vessel, it will be noted that such movement is attained with a minimum of lost time and/or hazard to the workers. Upon complete removal of the dye tub means 14 from the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel 28 is then shifted laterally to a position directly opposite the next succeeding dye bath station at which the dye bath means 14 thereon was prepared during the preceding dyeing operation. The loaded dye bath means 14 is shifted laterally into the pressure vessel located opposite thereto again with a relatively short quick movement. The pressure vessel closure 33 is shifted in the opposite direction along a monorail to a position before the open end of the pressure vessel, and the closure 33 suitably secured so that the dyeing operation can commence on the dye bath means disposed therein. During this dyeing operation the previously removed dye bath means located at its respective dyeing station 11 is unloaded of the dyed material, and again prepared with additional material and/or dye solution necessary to effect a subsequent dyeing operation.

In the event that the third or additional dye tub station 11 is adapted to be utilized in conjunction with the pressure vessel 28, it will be noted that a third dye tub may be prepared as dye tub previously removed is being unloaded of the dyed material. In such event it will be understood that the monorail switch 37 is then required to be moved into position to connect the monorail 32 in communication with its extension 36 so that upon completion of the second dyeing operation, the closure means 33 can then be shifted laterally onto the monorail extension 37 to a position between the second and third dye tub station. Upon removal of the dye tub 14 from the pressure vessel 28 after the second dyeing operation, the pressure vessel is again moved laterally to a position opposite the dye tub station next to be positioned within the pressure vessel.

From the foregoing it will be noted that the ability of the pressure vessel to be shifted laterally opposite the respective dye bath station results in an arrangement which greatly simplifies the track construction necessary to effect an orderly insertion and removal of the respective dye tub means from the pressure vessel. The described arrangement issuch that a minimum of track footage is required to effect the necessary transfer of respective dye tubs into and out of the pressure vessel.

The method for expediting high temperature dyeing of a fabric material comprises essentially of the loading of a first transportable dye tub with the material to be dyed under atmospheric temperature and pressure conditions. A pressure vessel is then located opposite the loaded dye tub means and the latter is inserted into the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel is then sealed, and thereafter brought up to elevated temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to effect the necessary dyeing operation in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. Upon completion of the dyeing operation the pressure vessel is unsealed and the dye tub and material loaded thereon is removed from the pressure vessel.

As the dyeing operation was ocurring in the pressure vessel, a second transportable dye tub was prepared with the required dye bath solution and material to be dyed. Upon removal of dye .tub of the preceding dyeing operation from the pressure vessel upon completion of the dyeing operation, the pressure vessel is then shifted laterally to a position opposite the subsequently or second loaded dye bath means. The second loaded dye bath means is then inserted into the pressure vessel and the pressure vessel scaled to commence the subsequent dyeing operation. The method is such that during the second or succeeding dyeing operation, the dye tub of the preceding dyeing operation is unloaded and made ready with a new load of material and necessary dye solution to effect a subsequent or succeeding dyeing operation. The foregoing method is such that the loaded dye bath means is moved into and out of dyeing position so as to traverse a minimum of distance in a minimum of time, and thereby greatly expediting the number of dyeing operations which can be performed in a single pressure vessel in a given period of time. Also because of the relatively short distance over which the dye bath means is required to be moved to effect insertion and removal thereof from the pressure vessel, the degree or amount of hazard heretofore encountered in effecting such movement is reduced to a minimum.

While the present invention has been described with respect to a method and apparatus for effecting the invention it will be readily understood and appreciated that variations and modifications may be made Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A method of expediting the high temperature and pressure dyeing of fabrics comprising the steps of loading under atmospheric temperature and pressure a first transportable die tub with the material to be dyed,

positioning a pressure vessel opposite said first transportable die tub;

moving said first die tub when loaded into said pressure vessel disposed opposite thereto,

sealing the opening to said pressure vessel,

commencing the dyeing of the fabric within said pressure vessel at temperatures above 212 degrees F. and pressure above atmospheric,

loading a second transportable die tub as said dyeing of the fabric is occurring within said pressure vessel,

removing the first transportable tub from said pressure vessel upon completion of the dyeing operation, transporting the pressure vessel to a position opposite said second loaded transportable tub,

moving said second transportable tub into said pressure vessel disposed opposite said second loaded tub, sealing the opening of said pressure vessel to effect the dying of the fabric loaded on said second tub,

and removing the dyed fabric from said first tub to ready it for reloading.

2. A method of high temperature dyeing comprising the steps of loading a die tub under atmospheric conditions with material to be dyed,

transporting the loaded dye tub into a pressure vessel located at a first position,

sealing the loaded dye tub within the pressure vessel effecting its dying of the material within the sealed pressure vessel at a temperature above 212 degrees F. and a pressure above atmospheric, removing the dye tub and dyed material from the pressure vessel upon completion of the dyeing operation, and moving the emptied pressure vessel to a second position in readiness to receive another die tub. 3. An apparatus for high temperature dyeing comprismg a first dye bath means located at a work station and a second dye bath means located at a second work station,

said first dye bath means being spaced from said second dye bath means,

a' pressure vessel having an open end adapted to accommodate said dye bath means,

means for mounting said pressure vessel for movement between positions opposite said first and second stations,

means for movably mounting each of said dye bath sealing means includes a pressure vessel closure,

and means for movably supporting said closure for movement between an operative sealing position to an inoperative non-sealing position whereby said closure in the non-sealing position is disposed at a location between said work stations.

5. An apparatus for high temperature dyeing comprising a first support means, and a second support means laterally spaced from said first support means,

track means mounted on each of said support means, the track means on one said support means being disposed parallel to the track means on the other support means,

a dye bath means having wheel means adapted to ride on the track means of each of said support means,

a longitudinally extending track disposed substantially perpendicular to said first mentioned track means,

a pressure vessel having an open end portion movably mounted on said track for movement between said first support means and said second support means,

said pressure vessel having its open end arranged to be disposed opposite the dye bath means on said first and second support means,

rail means located on the bottom of said pressure vessel,

said rail means being adapted to define an extension of said track means when said pressure vessel is disposed opposite said track means whereby the dye bath means in rolling engagement on said track means can be readily moved onto the rail means of said pressure vessel for supporting said dye bath means within said vessel,

a closure means for sealing the opening of said pressure, and

means for moving said closure means between operative and inoperative positions.

6. The invention as defined in claim wherein said latter means includes a monorail extending between said stations and said pressure vessel, and

means for moveably supporting said closure means on said monorail.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said monorail comprises a substantially U-shaped track having the opposed legs thereof substantially coincident with the centerline of said first and second stations, and the interconnecting bight portion of said monorail track being disposed substantially parallel to said pressure vessel track means.

8. A pressure dyeing apparatus comprising a plurality of support stations, track means supported on each of said support stations, a dye bath means movably supported on the track means of each station, 5 rail means extending transversely of said track means,

a pressure vessel having an open end movably mounted on said rail means whereby the open end of said pressure vessel may be disposed opposite each of said stations as the vessel is moved along said track,

complementary track means disposed in said pressure vessel whereby said complementary track means define an extension of said first mentioned track means when the open end of said vessel is disposed opposite one of said stations so that the dye bath thereon may be rolled into said pressure vessel,

a monorail means supported above said pressure vessel between said support stations and the Open end of said Vessel,

a pressure vessel closure movably supported on said monorail for movement between an operative and inoperative position.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8 and including means for extending said monorail means in the event more than two dye baths are used per pressure vessel.

An apparatus for high temperature dyeing comprising a plurality of dye bath means disposed in spaced side by side relationship,

a pressure vessel having an open end disposed adja- References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,418,065 12/1968 Blount 8-151X 3,477,073 11/ 196-9 Blount et a1. 8150X FOREIGN PATENTS 14,082 4/1897 Switzerland 68-27 DANIEL BLUM, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

